This position offers the opportunity to transition from an advisory or consulting environment into a strategic leadership role within a growing organization. The successful candidate will lead the design, negotiation, and oversight of benefits programs supporting thousands of employees across Canada while developing internal capability that has traditionally been supported by external brokers.
The role is based in the Prairie Provinces and requires full-time, in-office presence. Candidates located elsewhere in Canada are encouraged to apply; relocation assistance will be provided for the successful candidate.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone currently working in group benefits consulting, insurance, or senior benefits management who wants to take ownership of a national benefits strategy while building strong internal processes and leading a small team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the design, development, and management of pension and employee benefits programs across the organization
- Oversee annual market reviews, renewals, and negotiations with insurance carriers and benefit providers
- Analyze plan performance, claims trends, reserves, and cost drivers to guide strategic decisions
- Partner with leadership to evaluate benefit plan design, cost optimization, and long-term program sustainability
- Develop strategies to improve benefits offerings, including exploring flexible plan structures and program enhancements
- Lead vendor management and maintain strong relationships with benefits carriers, brokers, and service providers across Canada
- Provide strategic guidance to senior leadership by presenting financial analysis and recommendations related to benefits programs
- Oversee the internal administration of benefits programs, ensuring efficient processes and accurate data management
- Design and implement operational procedures and reporting frameworks to improve service delivery and program oversight
- Manage and mentor a small team responsible for benefits administration and employee support
- Participate in employee communication strategies related to benefits education and program changes
- Monitor regulatory changes and ensure compliance with pension and benefits legislation
- Support complex benefits case management and collaborate with stakeholders to identify cost mitigation strategies
Requirements:
- Minimum 7+ years of progressive experience in pension and group benefits management, consulting, or insurance advisory
- Demonstrated experience negotiating group benefits programs, renewals, and plan design with insurers or brokers
- Strong financial acumen with the ability to analyze claims data, pricing structures, and benefit cost trends
- Experience working directly for insurance carriers, benefits brokers, or large employer-sponsored plans
- Leadership experience managing or mentoring team members
- Strong analytical, negotiation, and strategic problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to advise senior leadership and influence decision-making
- Experience managing vendor relationships and complex benefit programs across large employee populations
- Post-secondary education in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or a related field
- Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation or progress toward completion would be considered an asset
- Ability to travel occasionally within Canada to meet with vendors and stakeholders
Ideal Backgrounds for Success in This Role:
Candidates most successful in this role typically come from one of the following environments:
- Group Benefits Brokerage or Consulting
- Account Executive
- Senior Benefits Consultant
- Employee Benefits Advisor
- Insurance Carrier (Group Benefits Division)
- Client Relationship Manager
- Group Benefits Consultant
- Senior Account Manager
Candidates with pure benefits administration experience without exposure to negotiations, plan design, or carrier strategy are unlikely to be a fit for this role.
Location & Relocation:
This role is based in the Prairie Provinces and requires full-time, in-office presence. Candidates currently located in other parts of Canada are welcome to apply; relocation assistance will be provided for the successful candidate.
Rewards:
- Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
- Comprehensive benefits program
- Pension and retirement savings program
- Relocation assistance available for candidates moving from outside the region
- Opportunity to shape and lead the long-term strategy of a national benefits program within a growing organization
To Apply:
If this opportunity aligns with your experience and career goals, please forward your resume (Word format preferred) to Kyne Hunt, VP of Recruitment and Advisory, at kyne@lambertnemec.com, referencing “Head of Employee Benefits Strategy & Programs” in the subject line.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. All applications will be handled with confidentiality and retained for future opportunities.
